Gideon

One of Israel’s judges during the period of the judges. The Midianites made life miserable for the people of Israel, stealing their cattle and destroying all their crops. God’s angel appeared to Gideon and told him that the Lord would help him defeat the Midianites. But fearful Gideon demanded a sign from God. God used a fleece to help Gideon know that he was the one chosen to lead the army against the Midianites.

To prove that God was the one who would help the Israelites be victorious, God cut Gideon’s army down from twenty-two thousand to three hundred. Gideon gave each of the the hundred men a trumpet and a jar with a torch inside. One hundred men went to each of three sides of the Midianites’ army camp. They all broke their pitchers and blew trumpets at the same time. The Midianites were so frightened and confused they began killing each other. Gideon’s men won a great victory. Later, the Israelites wanted to make Gideon king, but he refused. He said God should rule over them. The Israelites had peace for forty years.